The Kerry Collins era in Oakland officially ended Friday afternoon when the team waived its former starting quarterback, saving the team about $9.1 million against the new $102 million salary cap.

That leaves the Raiders with sixth-year quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo

-- who has nine regular-season appearances and two NFL starts in five seasons -- and second-year quarterback Andrew Walter, who missed all of 2005 with a groin tear, as the only quarterbacks on their roster.

But the Raiders are not poised to replace Collins with Daunte Culpepper, despite numerous published reports indicating the team is hotly pursuing a trade for the disgruntled Minnesota Vikings star.

Senior assistant Michael Lombardi said Friday the Raiders have made no trade offer for Culpepper, who e-mailed reporters this week demanding that the Vikings either trade him or release him.

While Minnesota owner Zigy Wilf told reporters from the Minneapolis Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press he would not "rule out the fact" that trade talks with ongoing with several teams, Lombardi said the Raiders have only had discussed Culpepper's status with the Vikings.

"We have not made an offer," Lombardi reiterated.

The Raiders have entertained the prospect of acquiring Culpepper over the past few weeks. But with additional cap space available because of the new six-year extension of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, the Raiders appear to be backing off of Culpepper -- who is coming off a serious knee injury -- as a short-term option at quarterback.

Chargers quarterback Drew Brees, who will be released by San Diego, would be an ideal replacement for Collins. But the Dolphins and the Saints are expected to aggressively pursue the former Pro Bowler.

Collins, 33, had a 7-21 record as a starter in two seasons with the Raiders, after taking over for injured veteran Rich Gannon in the 2004 season. Despite completing 302 passes for 3,759 yards in 2005 -- his most since the 2002 season with the New York Giants -- and 20 touchdowns, Collins' lack of mobility hindered him.

He was sacked 39 times and threw 12 interceptions in 15 starts last season.

Collins' release was widely expected. His agent, David Dunn, said Baltimore has expressed interest, where Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel is eager to reunite with Collins.

"I think that would be an ideal situation for Kerry," Dunn said of Baltimore. Fassel was the Giants' head coach when Collins quarterbacked that team in Super Bowl XL.

For now, the Raiders are expected to turn the starting job over to Walter, follow the free agent market and explore their options in the draft. Texas quarterback Vince Young, who led the Longhorns to the national championship, has been widely discussed as a favorite of team owner Al Davis.